“The Simpsons” exclusive cable home will be at FXX starting in August 2014 following a multiple network bidding war. The Simpsons bidding is being called the biggest off-network deal ever.

FXX won exclusive cable, VOD and something called non-linear rights to all 24 seasons of “The Simpsons”. That’s 530 episodes. FXX doesn’t get the first runs, of course, we have to wait after whatever game Fox is showing to see those, but once they’ve played on Fox, they go straight to FXX. The deal will mark the first time the series will air on cable.

“The Simpsons” is in its 25 season. The deal with Twentieth Century Fox Television makes FXX the cable network home for the first 24 seasons of “The Simpsons”. FXNOW, a mobile viewing app that FX Networks will release soon, will be the exclusive non-linear home. Financial terms of the FXX and FXNOW deal were not immediately available.

At the start of each season FXX and FXNOW will get the season that just ended. That means that in September of 2014, when “The Simpsons” starts its 26th season, FXX will have access to the 25th season.

The deal covers 24 seasons as well as subsequent seasons not in first-run on Fox of the series from Gracie Films Productions and executive producers James L. Brooks, Matt Groening and Al Jean. When Simpsons first sold into broadcast syndication in the early 1990s, TV stations demanded exclusivity from cable for the run of the series in part because they didn’t know how a cartoon would work in a TV filled with live-action repeats.

“The Simpsons” is the longest-running and most successful comedy series in television history and it’s showing no signs of slowing. The show won 28 Emmy Awards, got an Oscar nomination in 2012 for the theatrical short “The Longest Daycare” and was turned into a major motion picture. It spawned toys, games, mini-meals, music videos, a theme park roller coaster ride and at least one dance craze. “The Simpsons” have been on Postal Stamps and was called the “Best Show of the 20th Century” by Time magazine and the “Greatest American Sitcom” by Entertainment Weekly.

John Landgraf, Chief Execitive Officer of FX Networks and FX Productions said ““The Simpsons” is indisputably one of the greatest shows in television history. We are honored to have it associated with FX Networks and FXX. This was a very long, hard and complicated negotiation and I credit the relentlessness and diligence of Chuck Saftler for getting it done. I also want to thank Gary Newman and Dana Walden at TCFTV, and Greg Meidel and Steve MacDonald at Twentieth Television. Most important of all, I want to thank Jim Brooks, Matt Groening and Al Jean and everyone at Gracie Films for this new partnership.”

Chuck Saftler, President of Program Strategy, and Chief Operating Officer of FX Networks, said, “Woo Hoo! “The Simpsons” is the crown jewel of television and the longest-running, most successful comedy series in television history, which is testament to the amazing talents of Jim Brooks, Matt Groening, Al Jean, and the Gracie Films team. This is a historic deal for FXX and FX Networks and I don’t believe there will ever be another one like it.” Saftler negotiated the deal for FXX and FX Networks along with Chris Antola, Senior Vice President of Strategic Programming, FX Networks. “The Simpsons” long ago crossed over from ‘brilliant award-winning comedy series’ to ‘full-fledged cultural phenomenon,’ and this landmark deal is a testament to its enduring power and relevance.”

20th Century Fox TV Chairmen and CEOs Gary Newman and Dana Walden said, “Matt, Jim and Al continue to deliver one of the most ingenious creations of the modern era, and we could not be more excited that the ever growing library of more than 500 episodes will now be available to FXX viewers. The passion for this property from John, Chuck and everyone at FX was overwhelming, and we are grateful to Greg, Steve and Lori Bernstein in constructing this complicated and groundbreaking deal.”

 “The Simpsons” is a Gracie Films Production in association with 20th Century Fox Television. It is executive produced by James L. Brooks, Matt Groening and Al Jean. It is animated by Film Roman, a Starz Media Company.